UKTV Hire to Drive Scripted Entertainment

LONDON: Simon Lupton has been tapped by UKTV to work across its entertainment slate in an effort to increase its presence in the scripted space.

Lupton has worked for three years as a commissioning editor for comedy at the BBC, and has more than 15 years of experience in comedy and entertainment production. At UKTV as commissioning editor, he will focus on the network's slate of original scripted content. Lupton will report to Richard Watsham, the director of commissioning.

Watsham said, “The commissioning team benefits from considerable program-making experience and Simon’s scripted expertise on both the production and commissioning sides will be a great addition. He has a hugely important part to play as we ramp up our scripted originations. I look forward to him taking on the exciting projects we have in the pipeline, and generating a raft of fresh content for the network.”

Lupton added, “This feels like a really great time to be joining UKTV. There are some very interesting programs in development and preproduction right now, from scripted comedy for Dave through to Tony Jordan's drama for Watch, Legion. Richard and the commissioning team have helped UKTV’s channels go from strength to strength over the last few years, and I'm thrilled to become a part of it.”